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The Iran conflict came just as Americans were feeling better about the economy
Gasoline prices hit sentiment the hardest. A swath of consumers across incomes reported declines in expectations for their personal finances. Economists worry that consumers will pull back their spending. The University's gauge of consumer sentiment fell to a preliminary March reading of 55.5 from 56.6 in the prior month. That did, however, beat the expectations from economists polled by the Wall Street Journal, who said sentiment would dip to 55.3 in March. The survey period for the index ended on March 9, making this the first economic indicator to reflect the conflict's impact - at least partially. Key details: A ... (full story)